Amy Witney Scholesamyionaphotography@gmail.com | www.amyiona.photography

the sea does not keep score (2020)

Eco-feminist theory argues that the oppression of women is fuelled by the same patriarchal forces which seek to

exploit and control natural resources. This shared trauma results in a uniquely symbiotic relationship between the feminine

and the natural. This relationship is culturally reinforced through the feminine personification of natural forces across

countless societies and cultures - Mother Nature, Gaia, Persephone, Namaka, the Horae, and so on.

My body of work this year stems from a specialised interest in human-nature interactions, and takes the form of a

speculative enquiry into this hypothesised relationship between women and nature. Through a combination of environmental

data and qualitative observations, I have identified and critiqued the societal expectations which seek to tame, cultivate and

restrict the ways in which women are allowed to behave and grow.

the sea does not keep score identifies a real-world strategy for defying these expectations in the form of wild

swimming: a ritualistic activity undertaken by a large community of local women along the Edinburgh and East Lothian coast.

The practices of these wild swimmers, as well as the coastal landscapes which they seek to strengthen their connections to, are

documented through an immersive photographic practice. Working with analogue film faciliates a deeply meditative

engagement with the land by prolonging the image-making process.

Though this project was placed on hold due to COVID-19, I am committed to its continuous development; interviews

and portrait sessions with the swimmers will resume once travel restrictions in Scotland are further eased. In a physical degree

show, my work would be presented within the material context of an experimental artists’ book. The swimmers’ motivations

to become further connected to nature, their social groups and their own selves are to be translated to the viewer through

emotive text, which emphasises the traditional relationships between image-making and storytelling.

Amy Witney Scholesamyionaphotography@gmail.com | www.amyiona.photography

Digitised Degree Show Proposal

Experimental “artists’ book”, referencing the form of an unfolded map. Situates embedded prints of landscapes along a laser-etched outline of the Firth of Forth coast.

Mounted in shadow box frame.

Archival colour prints from portraits of swimmers. Mounted in unglazed

frames.

Cut and sanded driftwood plinth, designed to house a browseable

hardcover photobook which combines all landscapes and portraits with poetic and written responses to the project.

selkies (2020)Digital scans from 35mm slide film.

selkies reprise (2020)Cyanotype contact print from digital paper negative. 5” x 7”.

balance (2020)Imacon scan from large format film.

Left: Path to Hound Point (2020)Right: Path to Hound Point III (2020)Imacon scans from large format film

Selected Editorial Work

Aforetime (2020)Editorial commissioned by Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show x Rosie Baird.

Castle in the Sky (2020)Editorial commissioned by Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show x Sarah Murphy.

virtues (2020)Digital medium format.

DISRUPTIONS (2019)Imacon scans from medium format film.

Curriculum Vitae

Summary

I am an innovative and creative graduate with specific interests in publishing, curation, digitisation and art collections. In addition to allowing me to

establish an advanced photographic practice, my degree has covered the study of interdisciplinary art theory and history, with scope for

collaboration across departments. This has enabled me to develop a focused artist-centric approach to curatorial practices. I am most concerned

with using this experience to promote equal opportunities in the arts, support creatives and enrich Scottish communities. My work experience in

galleries ranges from archive management to front-of-house roles, resulting in a holistic and highly transferable understanding of current industry

practice.

Selected Exhibitions

In each of the following public exhibitions, I have taken on a key organisational role in addition to installing my own work. My responsibilities have

included: invigilation; facilitating discussion between exhibiting groups and venue management; creating and distributing promotional material for

print and social media; handling and transporting artworks according to artists’ specifications; designing layouts in accordance with venue logistics to

position work.

· 2020 – buffering…, ECA Sculpture Court

· 2019 – Humans of the Walk, Museum of Edinburgh

· 2019 – JUICE, Granton Castle Walled Gardens

· 2018 – DÉBUTANTE: The Debut Exhibition by CollectiveF8, ECA Fire Station

Curriculum VitaePublished Creative Work

· Aforetime (editorial). ECFS program, 14 March 2020. Pp.17-18.

· Castle in the Sky (editorial). ECFS program, 14 March 2020. Pp.21-22.

· Artist interview. CANVAS Journal. Vol. 8, April 2019. Pp. 18-19.

· Material Framework (editorial). CANVAS Journal. Vol. 7, February 2019. Front and back covers + pp. 26-31

Employment and Voluntary Experience

· University of Edinburgh | Centre for Research Collections Assistant | September 2019 – May 2020

· Art UK | Volunteer Digitisation Photographer | September 2019 – present

· Stills Centre for Photography | Volunteer Exhibitions Assistant | July 2019 – present

· CANVAS Journal at Edinburgh College of Art| Editor | April 2019 – May 2020

· Granton Castle Walled Gardens | Artist in Residence | September 2018 – May 2019

· Propaganda Promotions LTD. | Event Photographer | January 2016 – August 2017

· Leith School of Art | Volunteer Exhibitions Invigilator | December 2015 – June 2016